Proper disinfection helps in maintaining an effective environment which is clean and free of infectious agents. The European Committee for Standardization established the EN 1040 standard that can be used effectively to determine the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants. Reliable participation in testing by choosing a competent service provider is a must for the manufacturers to meet required regulatory standards that ensure effectiveness. Consideration and criteria for this purpose have been elaborated in the present article to facilitate the selection of right EN 1040 testing provider.
Choosing a EN 1040 testing service provider
Accreditation and certification
- It is very important to consider accreditation when choosing a testing service provider. Accreditation from highly recognized groups, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides the ability to perform specified tests as per international and European standards. An example of this is ISO/IEC 17025, which certifies that the laboratory complies with the requirement at international level for testing and calibration.
Experience and expertise
- Service providers with proven long-term experience in offering services for EN 1040 testing are more likely to give better, reliable results to their clients, in addition to having a very deep understanding of the regulatory requirements. Also, experience in a wide spectrum of bactericidal efficacy testing might serve as an indicator of competence and being capable of dealing with complex testing scenarios.
Specialized knowledge
- The laboratory staff should not be only trained in laboratory techniques in general but they should be specialized in microbiological testing and be aware of the peculiarities of the EN 1040 standard. Knowledge of microbiology is necessary to ensure the correct interpretation of the results and safe handling of biological materials.
Quality of service
Turnaround time
- Timeliness is of essence, especially in the testing services, as this could affect the speed at which the product reaches the market. One should give priority to providers who can provide accurate results within a reasonable amount of time.
Customer service
- Communication skills are of importance here. The providers should have the capacity to explain the process of testing and the results obtained to the recipient. Proper customer orientation and clear, concise communication of protocols and the outcome of the results should be of prime concern for a service provider.
Technical capabilities
Equipment and technology
- The laboratory should be equipped with up-to-date technology and should comply with the safety standards set by the concerned authority. The use of advanced equipment assures precision and reproducibility of the tests.
Flexibility in testing
- An ideal provider should have the ability to adapt by customizing the test parameters as per the requirements of the product under test. This is very important for novel or unique formulations.
Additional considerations
Data integrity and security
- Ensure that the provider has stringent measures in place that protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data obtained while conducting the tests, including secure data handling and storage practices.
Compliance and regulatory knowledge
- Service providers should be familiar with, not only the standard EN 1040 but also with the general regulatory framework that could influence disinfectants’ use. This includes an understanding of the changes in regulations and the possible impacts on compliance.
Cost considerations
- While cost should not necessarily be the deciding factor, it still stands immeasurably important. Compare pricing between providers, against the quality of service provided, and measure if cost-cutting will not compromise the provision of quality tests.
Why Choose MIS?
Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS) plays an important role in the field of microbiological testing and analysis. Specializing in the assessment of antimicrobial properties of materials and surfaces, we offer a comprehensive suite of tests, including efficacy evaluations against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Our work is crucial for companies developing products that require validated antimicrobial claims, such as medical devices, textiles, and coatings. By providing reliable and scientifically rigorous testing, we can help ensure that products meet strict safety and effectiveness standards before reaching the market.
For more information on EN 1040 testing services or any other related services, please contact our experts.
